Jeremiah 39:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 39:12
12 Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 39 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, judgment, creation. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 39:12
12 Take him, and look well to him, and do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee.
Analysis
Take him, and look well to him (עֵינֶךָ שִׂים עָלָיו, eynekha sim alav)—Literally 'set your eye upon him,' meaning to watch carefully, attend to his needs. The phrase sim ayin denotes protective oversight. Nebuchadnezzar commands what Zedekiah refused—careful attention to Jeremiah's words and welfare.
And do him no harm; but do unto him even as he shall say unto thee (כַּאֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר אֵלֶיךָ, ka'asher yedabber eleykha)—Complete deference to the prophet's wishes. The pagan king grants Jeremiah authority that Judah's king denied him. God had promised, 'I am with you to deliver you' (1:8, 19)—and His deliverance came through Babylon itself. This recalls how Pharaoh's daughter preserved Moses, and how Cyrus would later facilitate temple rebuilding. God's purposes transcend national boundaries.
Historical Context
Jeremiah's pro-Babylonian prophecies (27:6-11, 38:17-23) made him valuable to Nebuchadnezzar as a potential stabilizing voice among the remaining population. From a purely political standpoint, protecting someone who had counseled surrender made strategic sense. However, from a theological perspective, God was sovereignly orchestrating events to preserve His prophetic witness through the catastrophe.
Reflection
- How does Babylon's treatment of Jeremiah contrast with Judah's treatment of him, and what does this reveal about religious profession versus reality?
- When has God's protection come from unexpected sources during difficult circumstances?
- How does this passage illustrate Jesus's words that a prophet is without honor in his own country (Matthew 13:57)?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 40:4, Proverbs 16:7, 21:1